Self Defense Blog

Apr 30, Chuck Norris Karate Studio, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:10:52 GMT

My first intro to martial arts at 8 years old. At that time ( late 1970's ), I had no exposure to radio, tv, movies, etc. I met Chuck Norris but had no

Apr 26, 17 Year Old Girl Attacked by Homeless Man

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:23:42 GMT

By Su Ericksen

7:30 on a Wednesday morning in Dallas, TX a 17 year old girl is walking to a bus stop when she is attacked by a 59 year old homeless man. Surveillance video from a nearby store shows a man chasing the young school schoolgirl.

More than an hour later she is found by an employee behind a dumpster while he was taking out garbage. She was very seriously hurt, but she bravely gave a detailed description of her attacker.

Police moved quickly, bringing in a canine unit and tracking the man a block away washing off the blood in a creek. Police found him to have a criminal record including assault and domestic violence.

Wednesday night she was listed in critical but stable condition: physically. Lasting damage? It’s hard to know what kind of mental/emotional injury was done. But she did the rest of us a favor by helping identify her attacker. Fortunately, the police arrested him.

Apparently a 17 year old can’t safely walk to a bus-stop on a weekday morning (sad).

Thank goodness the employee had garbage to take out that morning, and they were quick to get help for her.

Kudos to the victim for providing a detailed description of the homeless man.

Kudos to the police for arresting this guy so quickly.

Apr 22, Catching Domestic Violence Offenders

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:48:39 GMT

By Su Ericksen

This story just goes to prove how totally, obsessively focused on his objective this abuser is. His being arrested, thrown into jail, brought before a judge and fitted for an ankle bracelet was just a small detour on his was to killing his procession.

What happens to him after he finishes his "objective" is not even a thought in his head. Suicide is always on the list of possibilities, so no need to muddle his mind with logic. Stay laser-beam focused (as laser- beamed as he can get while trying to suppress all the commanding/contradiction voices between his ears).

To read more about this type of behavior please read Intuition

Apr 18, SAAM

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:29:24 GMT

By Su Ericksen

SAAM Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is now recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It all started in the late 70’s with the “Take Back The Night” campaign designed to call to attention to the violence experienced by women walking in the city after dark.

SAAM activities are coordinated by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). They have progressively emphasized the prevention of sexual violence. The goal is to form healthy relationships and to understand that relationship should be safe and respectful.

The military has it’s own campaign called “Hurts one. Affects all” Its focus on the effects sexual assault has on the military’s mission readiness.

That’s exactly what this website is about. Have a look around.
Welcome.

Mar 24, Stand Your Ground Law vs Murder

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:14:48 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Well, I've held back from writing this because it doesn't directly involve a woman, but it does have to do with self defense and it's laws.

I'm talking about the Trayvon Martin murder in Florida. A man with a gun stalks an unarmed 17 year old boy, after the police had advised him not to follow him. Trayvon was wearing a hoodie, dodging in and out of areas to keep out of the rain- ?suspicious behavior? If Mr. Zimmerman had followed the police advise instead, the police would have come an taken Trayvon to his home. Humiliating, yes, but that child of unknown/unlimited potential would still be alive.

Was it a hate crime. I don't know. What I do know is a large man with a gun approached Trayvon, frightened him, then Zimmerman decides the boy's reaction merited killing him. When the police came Zimmerman was ready with his self defense claim knowing he could not be arrested for it.

I also pray for justice as many people do. If this goes unpunished the implications are enormous! Many of us parents realize this could have been our own child and as we feel for Trayvon's parents and family we know that this must not happen again- and it will, if Zimmerman is not prosecuted.

If you would like to read more about the Castle Doctrine and the Stand Your Ground Law please click here.

Mar 15, International Academy Of Sqay Martial Art

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:54:33 GMT

The International Acedemy of Sqay Martial Art is the greatest Martial Art Academy I've ever seen in my life so far. There are well trained instructors

Mar 13, Domestic Abuses

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:37:02 GMT

By Su Ericksen

It seems like a lot of stories in the news lately about domestic violence, battered woman’s syndrome and intimate partner abuse. I hope that you are not involved in a relationship that involves any kind of abuse, but, chances are you may know someone who is.

Once a woman is in such a relationship, if she doesn’t recognize the situation for what it is, she may easily become trapped by it. First and foremost you must have MUTUAL RESPECT for each other. If you see that his respect for you is waning, you need to address that quickly, before it spirals downward.

All women are valuable and deserve to be treated as such. Don’t let anyone tell you differently, their motives are not to benefit you. If you start to believe them you may find yourself in a very unhealthy relationship!

Mar 6, Make My Day

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:10:20 GMT

By Su Ericksen

March 5th, 2011 Columbus, Indiana: discussion of a bill, known to many as the Castle Doctrine, they call the “Make My Day” bill. Some are looking to expand to businesses calling it the "Make my Day Better" bill. You may read about it here if you would like.

I just like the name of the bill. Much more descriptive than castle doctrine, of course that’s only if you’ve seen Dirty Harry movies. There’s a lot of political stuff going on in this article, but the concern is that when an irate customer refuses to leave and becomes verbally abusive, the store owners/employees would “feel threatened” and pull out a gun and shoot.

Of course common sense should keep this sort of thing from happening, but sometimes, it seems, common sense is in short supply.

To read more about self defense legalities check out Self Defense Laws.

Feb 21, Self Defense eBook

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:55:44 GMT

By Su Ericksen

We just finished my ebook titled: Self Defense For Women.

Self Defense for Women first common sense awareness and avoidance tactics that anyone can incorporate.

Then it teaches and illustrates physical techniques to help vastly improve a women’s chances of surviving an attack. Various escape methods and ways to hurt the attacker enough to be able to run.

Over 20 different Martial Arts are discussed to help you decide with one might be best for you.

You will find information on pressure points: where they are and how to use them in self defense situations.

Various weapons- expected and improvised are examined.

Domestic violence issues are discussed with warning signs to help avoid unhealthy relationships; and to understand the dangers once an abusive relationship has been established. If you know someone in such a relationship this information can help you to know how to help them.

Defense of others in your care, your home and other property are covered in this book.

The legalities of self defense is discussed at length.

Many survival kits for weather disasters as well as first aid kits and Bug Out Bags are thoroughly listed.

All this and more are covered in this complete self defense guide for women. This could be a great gift for any women- no matter her age!

Go here to see a sample or purchase the book.

Feb 20, Texas Castle Doctrine

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:15:55 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Here's a story about the Texas Castle Doctrine. One should become aware of the laws in your state. Hopefully you won't ever need to defend your home or family. I know you would do what is necessary no matter the law and face the consequences.

For more about Castle Doctrines click here.

Feb 15, Really Long Term Stalking

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:38:35 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Here's a really frightening story. A stalking like no other. This guy is really obsessed. He has stalked her for 17 years- even while serving a prison sentence for stalking her! One has to wonder what's going on in that head! Nothing good, I imagine.

To read more about stalking click here

Feb 13, Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:09:45 GMT

By Su Ericksen

I wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day! I also wish for you all healthy relationships, romantically as well as that with your friends and family!

A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect. This is true of all types of relationships; your family, you friends and your co-workers. You can’t choose your family or, in most cases your co-workers, so you hopefully learn to get along with them. Your friends you can choose. You can choose to accept their short comings as they choose to accept yours- yes, you have some.

It is most important to share a healthy relationship with your soul mate, life partner or spouse. This is the person you will spend them most time with. Ideally one of you can’t be unhappy and the other happy. Alright, we know couples like that but that is not what we are striving for. Many of us know of couples that have participated in some form of domestic abuse; verbal, physiological or even physical. Many of these couples seem to start out well, but somewhere things went wrong.

How can we be sure we would end up “stuck” in a relationship that makes us unhappy or worse in a domestic violent one? Look for the signs before any commitment is made. If you have any doubts seek outside counseling- if your partner is unwilling end the relationship before making a commitment. You can’t change someone once you are in a relationship. You both need to learn to accept and love each other as you are. Before you make any major decisions about the direction of any relationship look for:

Signs of a Healthy Relationship :

Mutual respect
Trust/Honesty
Enjoy/Support each other
Never violent toward each other
Have privacy in relationship
Clear, open communication
Interested in each other’s lives
Encourage other friendships
More good times than bad

Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

One tried to control the other
Ridicule
Disrespect
Fear
Distrust
Forced isolation
Forced sexual situations
Ignoring each other
Verbal abuse
Threats
Any physical violence

To help avoid any domestic violence one should always strive for a healthy relationship.

Feb 9, Preventing Kidnappings

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:23:44 GMT

By Su Ericksen

In this CBS News story a seven year old girl puts up a fight and avoids getting kidnapped by a parolee. He denies it, but there it is on the video tape.

Excellent work by this young gal and her folks who taught her what to do to prevent kidnappings

Feb 7, Intimate Partner Violence Backfire

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:19:52 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Here’s a man who has it in his head to seriously harm his estranged wife. He fills a couple of beach bottles with gasoline and goes to his wife’s residence. Fortunately she sees him and goes running and yelling. She gets into another apartment and he tries to douse and light the door on fire. He fails to notice that in the process of chasing her he has splashed himself with gas.

She’s O.K., but he is critically burned. Karma? To read the story click here.

To read more about Intimate Partner Violence click here.

Feb 6, Psychic Self Defense

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:10:03 GMT

By Su Ericksen Hone your survival instinct. Trust your intuition. We unconsciously observe the routine behavior of adults around us. It is only when we notice unusual that we start to pay attention. Only in hindsight when we analyze the situation do we uncover the reasons and the potential for psychic self defense.

Jan 30, State Law Upgraded from Castle Doctrine

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:33:48 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Last summer Pennsylvania upgraded its state law formerly known as the Castle Doctrine to include a “stand your ground doctrine” The implications are that if you are facing attack with a deadly weapon and possess a permitted firearm, you are allowed to shoot under certain criteria without first trying to retreat whether you are in your home or not.

Because of this a Reading man will not be charged for shooting two teenage hoodlums, one fatally (yes, I said hoodlums) when they threw him off his bike and attempted to rob him.

When using a gun in self defense one must consider the potential for “collateral damage”, meaning shooting innocent bystanders. That’s a lot to think about while you’re trying to defend yourself! After the incident the defender must call “9-1-1” to report details and put the gun down near by- careful not to disturb the scene. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to be still holding the gun when the police arrive.

Click here to read more about self defense laws

Jan 24, Girl Saves Herself from Abductor

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:49:07 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Gotta love this story: CBS News.com
This young lady was abducted- usually it ends badly here-but she marched right in the store ahead of the kidnapper and called 911. No self esteem problem here. Her folks must have ingrained her behavior early. Perhaps a lesson for all of us parents. I can hardly imagine her mom’s relief to see her again.

If you would like to learn more about preventing kidnapping click here.
Again, Kudos Ma’am!

Jan 24, Woman vs. Moose

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:19:05 GMT

By Su Ericksen

This is a great story! An 85 year old 97 pound woman beats moose off her husband with a shovel. Talk about improvised weapons used to defend your family from wild animals.

She wasn’t thinking about her age or size, she just went into survival mode and did what needed to be done. You may read it here (another window will open) CBS News.com

Kudos ma’am!

Jan 20, Insulin Used as Date Rape Drug

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:50:35 GMT

By Su Ericksen

From CBSNews.com. A diabetic man uses his insulin to subdue date and rape her and leave her to suffer and possibly die. Fortunately her roommate finally finds her and gets her medical help before it was too late.

So now insulin is a Date Rape drug! I‘ll have to update this page now- how sad! How evil. Something new for us gals to watch out for. Put it on your radar.

To read this story click here , other window will open for you!

Jan 16, Target Focus Training can be an Effective Method for Women's Self Defense.

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:57:53 GMT

The object of target focus training is to render the aggressor non-functional.

Jan 9, Wushu the Martial Art From China That Jet Li Practices

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:18:27 GMT

Jet Li was Wushu world champion several times. It is the most popular national sport in China.

Jan 8, Psychic Self Defense - You can Develop It.

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:47:55 GMT

As mysterious as psychic self defense sounds, it is an intuition skill we all can hone and polish once we understand it.

Jan 7, Bullying Can be aThreat and Self Defense Can Help!

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:00:18 GMT

Bullying has become deadly and some self defense skills, mental as well as physical, can be a valuable asset in the battle against bullying

Jan 4, Is Wasp Spray an Effective Self Defense Weapon for Women?

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:21:20 GMT

Should Wasp Spray be used instead of pepper spray in a self defense situation?

Jan 4, Self Defense Laws and Your Rights

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:44:40 GMT

How do self defense laws apply to you and what are your rights when using force in self defense?

Dec 14, Domestic Violence in the U.S.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:58:28 GMT

By Su Ericksen

I saw this blurb of disturbing facts from CBS News.com: A survey by the U.S. government indicates that one in four women are victims of domestic violence. WOW! So if you are not a victim you probably know at least one.

The same survey says that one in five U.S. women have been raped. Shocking! And we’re supposed to be so “modern” here in the states.

To read this story in a new window click here.

To help yourself not become a statistic please peruse this website. Learn how to read the red flags of domestic violence so you can recognize a dangerous relationship before it’s too late.

Nov 7, Date Rape Drug Death

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:49:08 GMT

By Su Ericksen Here is a prime example of the ultimate dangers of date rape drugs. The young woman in this news report was a careful gal. She didn’t drink much alcohol when she went out and left with someone she had met before.

It isn’t clear why the authorities do not have any suspects, but ladies, please don’t let your guard down. The creeps are everywhere. My heart goes out to her family, but perhaps their making her death public we can learn from this. Don’t party without a buddy (hopefully an over-protective one) and don’t go home with anyone you don’t know well- real well!

Oct 26, Rapist Targets Sorority Alumnae

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:39:28 GMT

By Su Ericksen

A recent story from CBSNews.com, which you can read here emphasizes the importance of not sharing too much personal information publicly. Who would have thought that listing your old college sorority could get you assaulted?

I’m not sure what this guy had against that particular group of women, but he must have taken the time and resources (such as FaceBook) to locate these middle age women. Four were raped in their own homes in three different cities near Dallas. The perpetrator apparently knew other personal information about them as well- such as the fact that they were alone when he assaulted them.

So one of the take-aways here would be to beware of cyberstalking. I would venture a guess that this creep got most of his recent correct info online.

Oct 22, Mini Survival Kits

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:35:05 GMT

By Su Ericksen This mini container will fit in your pocket or purse, glove box or backpack. It can come in handy for non-emergent situations also. Its a mean ol' world out there getting meaner and less predictable- not just socially, but weather wise also!

I'll credit the boy scouts motto here- "always be prepared!" Check out: Mini Survival Kits

Oct 15, Martial Arts

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:25:19 GMT

Throughout the world we find various forms of local systematic fighting techniques. Training methods may involve forms-sets of routine techniques performed in a sequence and sparring with partners. Some may also include wrestling and limb and joint manipulation.

Oct 12, Pressure Point Self Defense

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:51:38 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Pressure point self defense begins with being familiar with all of the pressure points. Not all are available at all times. Depending on the attacker’s attire and proximity a woman's choice may be limited. A woman may find herself in a situation where she’ll need to strike a pressure point to escape; she’ll need to act quickly and decisively. She will only have enough time to strike once or twice, so she’ll need to make each blow count.
Read more at Pressure Points.

Sep 29, Stalking

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:49:13 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Stalking is a very serious situation and should not be taken lightly. Take this guy from a fairly quiet mid-west town. The 27 year old stalker actually texted the mother of two young girls (5 and 9 years old) asking her to take naked pictures of them and send them to him. He actually texted: "Put them to sleep so I can do my thing LOL". LOL??!

He texted the mother so much that he filled up the memory of her phone. It’s not clear how he got her number in the first place, but she did the right thing and took the phones to the police and this sicko has been arrested.

If you want read this hard to believe story click here. This was not his first offense. Three years ago another family got a protection order against him for stalking their 17 year old daughter. He was following her everywhere and texting and calling her repeatedly until she had to get a different phone number. He violated that protection order twice. While he was in jail for that he asked someone not in jail to get facebook pictures of the 17 year old so he could look at her while he was in jail.

This creep apparently has no idea what he has done wrong. He is a psychopath with no conscience or concept of right or wrong. This is a very dangerous man. I wouldn’t want to imagine what he would do if he actually did kidnap a young girl- or anyone else.

For more information about stalking Stalking.

Sep 28, Car Security

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:53:45 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Car Security

Cars can be dangerous places. Besides accidents which injury and kill many people on a regular basis ( please wear your safety belt always), other hazards are car jacking and road rage.

Remember in a potential kidnapping- never get in a stranger’s car! For more information regarding car security and women’s self defense please check out car security.

Sep 27, Battered Woman’s Syndrome

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:12:25 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Battered Woman’s Syndrome

I found it interesting to read on CBSNews.com that Battered Woman’s Syndrome is gaining some acceptance. The story I’m referring to is Battered Woman's Defense Brings Mixed Results. The story reported how many women are getting some sympathy and validation using this defense.

Battered Women Syndrome has been long debated. The question being: can you claim self defense when the immediate threat has passed? If a woman can’t find a safe way out of the relationship and she knows the imminent danger her and her children face, she waits until her abuser is off guard (unarmed, incapacitated or asleep) and removes the threat (kills him). A woman does what she needs to do. She will face charges and likely go to prison, hopefully with a light or suspended sentence.
Click here to read more about Battered Woman Syndrome

Sep 26, College Dating Safety

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:20:03 GMT

By Su Ericksen College Dating Safety

Its that time of year that we start thinking of college dating safety. The students have been in class a few weeks and are perhaps meeting some interesting relationship prospects. If the relationships start as friendships and grow from there while enjoying group activities, all the better; but when someone you haven’t had a chance to get to know someone asking you for a "date" you’ll want to try to follow these guidelines.

Meet at a public place. #1) meet there- don’t have him drive you there- making you dependent on him for a way home- showing him exactly where you live- getting into a car of someone you don’t know well.#2 Don't meet at a private location the first time.

Go with another couple. The pressure is off for conversation and you will be able to solicit the other couples opinion later- if you want it.

Carry cash. It case things go wrong, you’ll have cab fare.

Tell someone who your going out with, where your going and when you’ll be back. Then check in when you return. Have a plan in place if you don’t call when you say you will.

Drink alcohol responsibly- if at all. Whether its alcohol or not always keep an eye on your drink so nothing can be slipped in it.

Say "no" if you feel like it. Whether its about a drink, dessert, going to another location and, of course intimacy, you have the right to say no politely (at first). Remember the dominating potential abusers have difficulty accepting "no" for an answer- it can be a test.

Last, but never least:

Always trust your gut!

For more information please read: College Security

Sep 25, A Winter Survival Kit is Essential if You Live or Travel in Cold Weather

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:49:42 GMT

A winter survival kit should contain these critical items to be prepared in case of stranding in the harsh elements.

Sep 20, Man Kills Another Wife

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:26:44 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Sept 19th, 2011 CBS News.com: "Murder suspect killed another wife". What’s wrong with this headline? Another wife? If you would like to read the story please click here-a new window will open.

Jeremiah Fogle shot two pastors at his church during services and when authorities checked his home they discovered he had shot his wife three times, killing her. The county sheriff said that out of Fogle’s seven wives, he managed to kill two of them. His (latest) slain wife’s sister said that the family did not know about his previous marriages or criminal past and she felt that her sister did not know either.

How does a woman get married to someone and not, at least, ask about prior relationships- particularly marriages? Ask these questions, ladies, its your right to know. If you don’t get a straight, true answer- don’t marry him. What ended these old relationships? Did she run off with another man? Was it irreconcilable differences? Did he kill her? Important information!

Then there’s the other question- how did he only get probation for after pleading guilty to manslaughter in 1987 for killing his earlier wife? In retrospect that is not looking like a good decision now.

We must be vigilant, ladies! We need to learn to recognize the warning signs and red flags of Domestic Abuse. Other indicators for early on in a relationship can found at Intuition.

Sep 19, Is Krav Maga an Effective form of Self Defense?

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:28:52 GMT

Krav Maga is a pure self defense discipline, it is not a sport

Sep 18, Is Aikido an Effective Form of Self Defense?

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 15:38:15 GMT

Aikido will teach you to use an attacker's own energy to work against him.

Aug 23, Aftershock Survival

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:25:09 GMT

By Su Ericksen

According to Robert Wiedemer’s new book, “Aftershock” the United States is headed toward economic calamity. He maintains that the worst is yet to come. In 2006 Mr. Wiedemer and two other economists correctly predicted the real estate boom and the Wall Street bull run ending.

He urges people to learn how to survive this economic disaster. His sound advice is economic in nature. I think it would be a good idea to be ready for any kind of disaster with a bug out bag. Whether you have to leave your home in a hurry, or survive in it, this ultimate survival bag has what you need for the basic needs of you and your family.

Aug 17, Mother Punches Predator Stalking Her 13 Year Old Daughter

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:08:48 GMT

By Su Ericksen

From CBS/AP Des Moines, IA: after a guy tried to lure a 13 year old girl into an alley, he ends up getting punched by her mother, then chased by her father and her father’s friends and detained until the police arrived.

Thanks to the quick thinking girl who ran to tell her mother, this dangerous perpetrator is off the streets- at least for a little while. If you read the story here you’ll understand how dangerous this guy really is!

When her mother confronted him he asked how old the girl was, could he marry her or whether the mother would sign her away to him. Mom went (understandably) ballistic at this point. He even told the police later that he liked young girls and was trying to get her in the alley so he could “marry her and sex her”.

I couldn’t even make this stuff up! Kudos to the parents! Thanks for helping get this creep back in jail. By the way in my opinion four years is not long enough.

To read up on youth self defense have a look at this.

Aug 15, Women's Self Defense Tips

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:36:00 GMT

By Su Ericksen

These women’s self defense tips are basic, common sense guidelines to helping you and your loved ones stay safe. Reading this page is a good place to start.

Do you know a young woman going out on her own? Perhaps you could help her avoid becoming a victim by recommending it.

Aug 12, Online Dating Safety

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:01:33 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Online dating has become very popular recently. It has also become a way for perpetrators to meet unsuspecting victims.

Now there’s another woman missing in Aruba and foul play is suspected. According to her roommate she had met him online, she had known him for more than a year-yet the roommate had never met him. They had been planning the trip for two months, but when she changed he mind the way he reacted was a red flag to her roommate.

In the story it mentions that his history of domestic violence makes him a prime suspect. He claims she drowned while they were snorkeling when he lost track of her. Her friends find it doubtful she would even go snorkeling. Apparently if they find her body in the water it would be difficult if not impossible to prove her cause of death, leading the criminal profiler to say, "You don’t want to go on vacation with somebody you do not know well enough anyplace near water".

If you would like to read the original story click here and another window will open.

I have highlighted what I consider red flags. I think she did trusted her gut feeling by trying to cancel the trip, but he was able to persuade her anyway- just my opinion. I don’t know if she knew about his history of domestic abuse, which to me would be an automatic disqualification for any romantic relationship. I’m not saying that this was in any way her fault-NO WAY! I hope and pray that she is found, but the rest of us need to learn from this incident.

To read more about online dating safety please read Online Dating Safety.

Aug 11, Date Rape Drug Detector

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:54:04 GMT

By Su Ericksen

From CBSnews.com: Israeli researchers claim to have created a tiny sensor to effectively detect two commonly used date rape drugs, GHB and ketamine. It sounds an alarm or flashes when it identifies changes in the optical properties of a drink. The gadget, which could become available in a few years, would be small enough to clip on the side of your glass and fit in your purse or pocket.

Is this the answer to the date rape drug issue? One expert says not necessarily. GHB and ketamine are only two of many drugs used and that alcohol itself is the number one date rape drug used in acquaintance rape. To read this story in a new window click here.

I’m thinking it may be a bit awkward to use. Does it stay on the side of the glass throughout the evening, reminding your date that you don’t trust him? Or do you whip it out of your purse whenever you come back from the restroom and test your drink like you’re from CSI? Either way, until then be sure to use the safe dating tips here!

Aug 10, Prophet or Pedophile?

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:48:20 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Warren Jeffs, self proclaimed prophet, leader of the Fundamentalist Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and pedophile. He has numerous wives some as young as 12 years old. He has also been accused of raping his own nephew when he was only 5 years old as well as doing inappropriate sexual “things” to his 8 year old niece. Quoting CNN.com, quoting him, “There is an even younger girl that the Lord wants me to take. She is 13. For some reason the Lord is sending me these girls that can be worked with.” Eeey-ooo! He even has a recording of a sexual assault on a 12 year old in the presence of three other “wives”.

He is believed to have about 10,000 followers. He has allegedly established “houses of hiding” with young girls he intends to marry. So, is this like a ranch where women are bred to hopefully give birth to girls so he can “marry” them and sexually abuse them at his whim? He even wrote: “If the world knew what I was doing they would hang me from the highest tree.” – or maybe just sentence him to life in prison.

Some people wish to hold the mothers responsible to handing over their young tweenage daughters to this prophet/monster. These girls have no defense. Think of the horror these little girls have to face with the blessing of their parents. As I have said before parents are responsible for the safety, well-being and emotional health of there offspring. Perhaps they are brainwashed; then they are not fit parents.

Aug 9, Pressure Point Self Defense

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:24:18 GMT

By Su Ericksen

Pressure Point Self Defense begins with becoming familiar with all effective pressure points. Not all pressure points will be available depending on the attackers size and angle of attack. To use pressure point self defense successfully a woman must act swiftly and decisively. She may only have enough time to strike once or twice, so each blow must count. Read Pressure Point Self Defense for conditioning and practice techniques.

Aug 7, Krav Maga Self Defence DVD Course

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 21:03:55 GMT

Did you know there is a great benefit to visualizing your self-defense moves and techniques? Studies have shown that creative visualization improves athletes’ performance. Likewise, in self-defense, visualizing the moves will prepare you for a real fight and increase your self-confidence. Krav Maga On-Line Course Krav Maga is the self-defense method that was developed by the Israeli army. It enables you to overcome an attacker and neutralize violence in a matter of seconds. It isn't a traditional martial art because its sole purpose is self-defense, not the practice of a tradition. The Krav Maga On-Line Course consists of video movies, mp3 files and an e-book. Each video begins with a slide describing the moves. Each video comes both in regular and slow motion, with vocal explanation in the background that explains what you should do – making it easy to learn. The e-book gives step-by-step explanations, accompanied by pictures that beautifully capture and demonstrate each and every move. The e-book, and its pictures, are a step-by-step guide to the exact moves that appear in the video movies. Mp3 files provide the vocal explanation for each. You can listen to the them while reading the e-book – or while driving in your car. Together, these three media types cover a range of of self-learning techniques that make it easy to learn and visualize the Krav Maga moves. The course is divided into six phases. In phases one and two you will learn special techniques to strike with your hands and deliver kicks – foundational skills for effective self-defense. In phase three you will learn to defend against hand strikes. In phase four you will learn to defend against releases. In phase five you will learn to defend against a stick. In phase six you will learn to defend against a knife. In phase seven you will learn to defend against kicks. All the defenses incorporate counter-attacks . This on-line course is relatively inexpensive, even more so when you consider the huge value you will get in return. Krav Maga Course This is an extremely intense course that will make you walk confidently on the street. You won't be disappointed.

Aug 4, Girl Effect- An Organization Worth Looking Into!

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:59:36 GMT

My best friend showed me this website and I found it to be an exciting concept and a cause worth supporting.

The problem is real: in developing countries all around the world young girls are not getting a decent education, are being forced to marry young and start having children as teenagers. From there their futures can be helpless and bleak. There are 600 million adolescent girls in the developing world, yet less than 2 cents of every international dollar is directed to girls.

The solution is doable: keep these girls in school, teaching them to help support themselves and their families as well as their communities. The Girl Effect web-site provides a list of organizations that focus on this issue and a list of ways that each of us can help these girls and the resources needed to help.

I recommend you check it out! The Girl Effect

Aug 2, Slut Walk to Protest the Shaming and Blaming of Sexual Assault Victims

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:57 GMT

The "Slut Walks" began in Toronto to protest after a police officer told a group of college students that women should avoid dressing like "sluts" to avoid being raped. He did later apologize and was disciplined, but remains on duty.

The fact that it came out of the mouth of a police officer emphasizes an attitude toward victims of rape and sexual assault. If a woman is dressed in a provocative manner is it her fault that she was attacked? NO!

Men are not uncontrollable inhuman animals. Women are not inhuman objects on this earth for the sexual pleasure of men.

Rapists are not looking for the way a woman dresses. They are looking for easy targets. If a women would like to reduce her chances of being assaulted she should practice target hardening.

These Slut Walks started in Toronto and have spread world wide. Many U.S. cities staged or are planning on staging such walks. New Delhi, India also recently had a Slut Walk- a little toned down from those in the U.S., but well needed considering India is one of the five worst places to be a woman!

To learn more please see Slut Walk Toronto.

Aug 1, 71 yr old Woman Uses an Improvised Weapon For Self Defense

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:57:51 GMT

Early on a Saturday morning a 71 year old woman opened her door to a homeless man who claimed he had no where to go and didn’t want trouble with the police.

Once in her home he proceeded to attack her, holding her down and attempting to rape her, but she wasn’t an easy target after all. This lady fought him off! She was injured and there was some damage to her processions. I imagine her reaching around her trying to use whatever she could to use as an improvised self defense weapon.

Low and behold she found a classic! She beaned him in the noggin with a frying pan and knocked him unconscious. When the police arrived they found him down and out for the count. He had to make his first court appearance via video camera from his hospital room. Go here to read the whole story.

We don’t know her name or even if she was somebody’s grandma. She make a mistake by letting him in the door, but her self defense instincts served her well and now another bad guy is behind bars.

Well Done!